What Advocates Do:

• Gather facts and information to learn about your child’s needs
• Educate yourself by knowing how decisions are made and by whom
• Learn about rights and responsibilities (both yours and theirs)
• Plan and prepare for meetings
• Ask questions, listen to answers and identify problems
• Negotiate for services, discuss issues and propose solutions

  Advocating Effectively:

• Choose only one issue or objective at a time to tackle and focus on
• Learn as much as possible about the issue and about the system that needs changing
• Practice public speaking
• Write letters
• Make contact with key decision makers
• Realize it takes time, energy and hard work
• Be prepared to hang in there for the long haul
• Have stamina and fortitude when confronted with negative attitudes, stigma, or meager resources
• Speak up and make requests firmly and repeatedly until action is taken
• Feel good about yourself
• Be prepared to step forward and take risks